Acid Reflux (GERD) Overview

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in
which the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of acid backing up
from the stomach. The esophagus or food pipe is the tube stretching from the
throat to the stomach. When food is swallowed, it travels down the esophagus.

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid after a meal to
aid in the digestion of food.

The inner lining of the stomach resists corrosion by
this acid. The cells lining the stomach secrete large amounts of protective
mucus.

The lining of the esophagus does not share these
resistant features and stomach acid can damage it.

The esophagus lies just behind the heart, so the term
"heartburn" was coined
to describe the sensation of acid burning the esophagus.

Normally, a ring of muscle at the bottom of the
esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter, prevents reflux (or backing up) of acid.

This sphincter relaxes during swallowing to allow
food to pass. It then tightens to prevent flow in the opposite direction.

With GERD, however, the sphincter relaxes between swallows, allowing stomach contents and corrosive acid to well up and damage the lining of the esophagus.

GERD affects
25% to 40% of the adult population of the United States to some degree at some
point. About 20% of adults experience GERD weekly or daily. Not just adults are affected; even infants and children can have GERD.

Acid Reflux (GERD) Causes

No one knows the exact cause of gastroesophageal reflux. The following are contributing factors that weaken or relax the lower esophageal sphincter, making reflux worse:

Lifestyle: Use of alcohol or
cigarettes, obesity, poor
posture (slouching)